By Michael Martin, r.World – For Special Events Magazine

Published August 6, 2025

In the dynamic world of large-scale events, where logistics are complex and the spotlight on sustainability is ever-increasing, the adoption of reuse systems presents a significant opportunity to enhance both economic efficiency, operational ease, and environmental responsibility. For event professionals navigating tight budgets and growing stakeholder expectations for greener practices, embracing reuse is not just a trend, but a smart, strategic decision. 

Consider a venue’s continuous expenditure on single-use items and the subsequent disposal costs across events. For large facilities hosting frequent events, the waste management costs for recycling alone can amount to upwards of $400K annually. Investing in durable, reusable alternatives offers a clear path to significant long-term cost reduction, directly increasing profitability. Additionally, the labor involved in managing reuse systems also opens opportunities for roles in cleaning, processing, maintenance, and logistics, contributing to local job creation. Shifting to this circular, reuse model is estimated to contribute to $4.5 trillion in economic growth through direct cost savings and economic stimulus, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). 

Venues are also seeing an increasing interest in sustainability from their customers, with attendees prioritizing selecting venues for their environmental consciousness, commitment, and programs. A recent Eventbrite study indicated that 81% of event attendees would be willing to pay a higher ticket price for an event that’s mindful of sustainability. And for the entertainment industry, waste and carbon footprint are top of mind when looking at environmental impact.  A single major sports event can generate up to 40 tons of trash, contributing to climate change and environmental degradation. And while recycling remains an unproven success at events due to cross-contamination, reuse offers a more effective solution by minimizing the demand for new resources and the energy-intensive manufacturing processes associated with single-use items. 
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